‘State of Hunslet’ set to mark Chev Walker’s testimonial

Hunslet Hawks are to pay tribute to the career of former player Chev Walker, by staging a a great day of rugby league at South Leeds Stadium on Sunday, January 3.

Walker retired at the end of the 2015 season, bringing the curtain down on a glittering career, which saw him play 300 games for Leeds, Hull KR and Bradford.

But he began that career with Hunslet as a junior, and the Hawks will stage the inaugural ‘State of Hunslet’ in his honour.

Doors open at the South Leeds Stadium at 11.30am, with the first game kicking off at 1pm.

This game will be between the Hunslet Hawks Legends and the Rugby AM Legends.

Steve Pryce, Jamaine Wray, Mick Coyle, Latham Tawhai, David Plange and Richard Pachnuik have been confirmed for the Hunslet legends, while the likes of Robbie Paul, Keith Senior and Paul Sculthorpe will play for Rugby AM.

At 2.15pm the crowd will see youngsters take to the field, as Hunslet Parkside under 7’s take on Hunslet Warriors under 7’s. The Under-8s from the two clubs will also face off.

The main event kicks off at 3pm when community clubs Hunslet Parkside and Hunslet Warriors clash, in a full-blooded, winnner-takes-all clash, to see who will be crowned State of Hunslet champions.

Each team will be granted four ‘marquee’ players to select, with Walker himself playing for the Warriors.

The other marquee names will be confirmed in due course.

“This game is very special to me,” said Walker.

“It’s not because it’s my last ever game of rugby, the game that I’ve played and loved since I was 10, but because it’s going to be back home, in Hunslet, for the mighty Hunslet Warriors.

“My dream started at this club, so it’s very fitting that I will play my last match in the same area I played my first.”